FOURTH ‘DISCOVERY HUB’ COMPLETED AT GT YARMOUTH
- Broads Society
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
The Broads Society is delighted to announce that a fourth Broads Discovery Hub has
recently been installed and will be launched formally in August this year. This new
information hub is located at Great Yarmouth Railway Station, where it will provide travellers
with a valuable introduction to the popular seaside resort, while also promoting the Bittern
and Wherry Railway Lines for their access to the Broads. While all hubs promote
sustainable enjoyment through cycling, walking and boating, this one emphasises the
wonderful opportunities that our railways offer to explore Norfolk’s wetlands, marshes, and
coastline.
Situated along the banks of the River Bure where it meets the River Yare, and just a short
stroll from Great Yarmouth Yacht Station, this Discovery Hub showcases the Borough as an
essential part of the Broads’ 125-mile network of estuaries, rivers, and lakes, which have
been attracting holidaymakers for over 175 years. Tourism in the Norfolk Broads began in
the mid-1800s with the arrival of the railway, significantly enhancing accessibility to the entire
region, stimulating the growth of boat-hiring businesses, and resulting in a remarkable rise in
the popularity of recreational boating holidays.
So, where are the other three Discovery Hubs? Back in July 2023, Harnser announced that
a Discovery Hub at Salhouse Broad had been completed. In the October edition of the same
year, two further Hubs were introduced at the quayside in Beccles and the seafront in Great
Yarmouth. All four Hubs were recently transferred to the management of the Broads Society
from the Broads Trust, and plans are in place for a variety of events centred around them.
This year, the Society hopes to host a summer event at the Beccles Quayside Hub, a
heritage walk connecting the Railway Station and Seafront Hubs in Yarmouth in August, and
another popular stargazing event at Salhouse Broad later in the year. Keep an eye out for
further announcements to learn more about the secrets of the Broads.
Discovery Hubs promote the Broads to visitors and locals, encouraging sustainable
exploration by train, bike, boat, or on foot. They explain the area's history, heritage, wildlife, and landscapes, aiming to inspire people to visit and enjoy the diversity of sights that can be seen and enjoyed in the region.
Many donors have contributed to the Discovery Hubs, including European funds, local
authorities, charities, and Richardsons Leisure Ltd, which served as the Discovery Hubs’
Launch Partner and Main Sponsor during the initial phase of development. The installation
at Gt Yarmouth Railway Station owes its success to Martin Halliday and his colleagues at
Community Rail Norfolk, who secured major funding for the project and facilitated its
progression through the necessary permissions.
Each Discovery Hub is uniquely designed to reflect the features of interest at its specific
location, differing in size, information content, and wayfinding signage. Some include
seating, while the Hub at Beccles boasts a sheltering roof. The Salhouse Discovery Hub,
located in an area renowned for its dark skies in the heart of the Broads, even has a
stargazing facility that allows the visitor to lie back and study the firmament. All Hubs
promote the successful Love the Broads fundraising scheme, which attracts donations to support much-needed investment projects like these throughout the Broads.
The Broads Society has plans to expand the Discovery Hubs network, offering opportunities
for local businesses to promote their products and give directions to local service providers.
A sponsorship package is available, offering numerous ways for businesses to benefit from
these unique and popular installations. For further information on the Discovery Hubs and
sponsorship opportunities, please text the Broads Society Administrator, Sarah Vergette, on
07786 575286.
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